Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for its fast, high kicks. It became a full Olympic sport at the Sydney 2000 Games and is governed by World Taekwondo. Here is how the sport is scored.
The basics
Two athletes compete on an octagonal mat. They wear a body protector called a hogu, a helmet, gloves, shin and forearm guards and special socks with sensors. The aim is to land legal punches and kicks to score points.
Electronic scoring
Modern taekwondo uses a Protector and Scoring System (PSS). Sensors in the body protector, helmet and socks record valid kicks to the body and head based on force and contact. Judges score punches and award extra points for technical kicks.
Points
Under World Taekwondo competition rules:
- A valid punch to the body: 1 point.
- A valid kick to the body: 2 points.
- A turning or spinning kick to the body: 4 points.
- A valid kick to the head: 3 points.
- A turning or spinning kick to the head: 5 points.
Punches to the head are not allowed. Kicks below the waist are not allowed.
Also Read: Olympic Boxing Rules Explained: Rounds, the 10 Point Must System, Weight Classes and How Bouts Are Won | Judo Rules Explained: Ippon, Waza-ari, Penalties and How a Contest Is Won
Round format
Matches are fought in rounds of two minutes. Under the current format, the athlete who wins two rounds wins the match. A round can also end early if one athlete builds a large points lead or the opponent cannot continue.
Penalties
A penalty is called a gam-jeom. Each gam-jeom gives the opponent 1 point. Common reasons include:
- Stepping out of the boundary line.
- Falling down.
- Grabbing or pushing the opponent.
- Kicking below the waist.
- Attacking a fallen opponent.
Too many penalties in a round can lead to losing the round.
Weight categories
There are many weight classes in world events, and the Olympics has four for men and four for women.
Belts
In training, students move up through coloured belts, such as white, yellow, green, blue and red, before earning a black belt. Black belts are ranked in levels called dan.
Taekwondo in India
India Taekwondo and state bodies run national events, and the sport is popular in schools and academies across the country.
Bottom line
In taekwondo, the harder and higher the kick, the more points it earns. Learn the scoring and every match becomes more exciting to watch.
Source / स्रोत: World Taekwondo, Olympics.com, Taekwondo, Sports Authority of India
